Our website uses cookies to improve your user experience. If you continue browsing, we assume that you consent to our use of cookies. More information can be found in our Cookies Policy and Privacy Policy .

Habitat’s Croydon store gets new look

Habitat re-opens an extended and revamped Croydon store this week which aims to break a tradition of “impersonal” out-of-town stores, according to a spokesman.

Design is by London architect Gerard Taylor, who beat Din Associates, Graven Images and Davies Baron in a paid creative pitch.

“Most out-of-town retail spaces don’t have much character, you just park and as far as atmosphere’s concerned you’re abandoned. This is a brand new concept,” says a Habitat spokesman.

Taylor, who is principal of his consultancy, says Habitat “tried to address an out-of-town store with the intelligence of an in-town one. It’s actually a huge shed but a sense of domesticity was required”.

His 3437m2 interior features “light toffee colour” walls for a “soft, feminine feel”. The facade features glass, galvanised metal and timber to “soften” the hard edge of the building.

The Croydon store is a one-off, according to the Habitat spokes- man. “We are looking for interesting architectural sites for future stores, but there are no plans for another out-of-town store,” he says.